America’s 250th Birthday Celebrated with Lake Hopatcong Flotilla
Published on July 13, 2026
Patriotic Boat Parade Attracted More Than 130 Vessels
Patriotism was on full display on Lake Hopatcong this past Saturday as more than 130 star-spangled boats and vessels carrying hundreds of flag-waving passengers joined a flotilla that cruised around New Jersey’s largest lake to celebrate America's 250th birthday during a day of festivities.
Hosted by the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee and the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, the free celebration transformed the lake into a sea of red, white and blue as the decorated boats and watercrafts floated past residents, businesses and community organizations who had decorated docks, homes and storefronts along the shore.
The Hopatcong Fire Department welcomed participants from the River Styx Road bridge, sounding its fire engines and saluting the passing boats. Meanwhile, Raccoon Island resident Bill Kays, portraying Gen. George Washington, cruised the lake aboard his classic Chris-Craft, delighting spectators and adding a memorable Revolutionary-era touch to the floating celebration.
View More Photos from Lake Hopatcong’s 250th Anniversary Boat Parade
"Seeing so many families, boaters and residents come together on Lake Hopatcong to celebrate America's 250th birthday was truly inspiring," said Commissioner Christine Myers, member of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee. "The incredible turnout, patriotic spirit and enthusiasm shown by everyone on the water and along the shoreline was an uplifting and memorable way to honor America's 250th birthday.”
“The Patriotic Boat Parade,” consisting of various groups, departed from Nolan's Point with the historic Miss Lotta and the Floating Classroom leading the procession, followed by more than 130 vessels proudly decorated in red, white and blue. Soon after the motorized boats took off, sailboats participating in the “All Fleet Sail” and subsequently kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders joining the “Paddler Flotilla” took to the lake to cruise their own routes along the lake to celebrate America’s 25oth.
Live music, family-friendly entertainment and celebrations around the lake kept the patriotic spirit going through the day.
Morris County officials who joined the outing included Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Deputy Director John Krickus, Commissioners Douglas Cabana, Deborah Smith and Christine Myers, state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, County Clerk Ann Grossi, Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray, and Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Executive Director Sarah Neibart, along with staff from the Morris County Tourism Bureau. Lake mayors in the flotilla included Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen, Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis, Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo and Hopatcong Mayor Marie Galate. Ron Smith, chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission, was also aboard the Miss Lotta.
Sheriff James Gannon also participated, patrolling the lake with Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose and local police while greeting boaters and helping ensure a safe celebration.
Morris County extends its appreciation to Marty Kane, president, and Bob Kays, vice president, of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and the many partners, volunteers and community organizations whose efforts made the celebration possible.
The event was part of Morris County's countywide 250th Anniversary initiative, commemorating the county's significant role in the American Revolution while encouraging residents and visitors to explore its historic sites, communities and destinations. To learn more about upcoming Morris County 250th events, visit the Morris County 250 website.
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Photo 1: (l-r) Martha Wells, president of the Chatham Township Historical Society; Samantha Rutledge, director of tourism & strategic partnerships, Morris County Tourism Bureau; Amandra Broschart, director of the Morris County Heritage Commissioner; Sarah Neibart, executive director of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee; Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw; Morris County Assistant Administrator Brian Murray; Justine Brooke Murray; Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana; Carol Barkin, outreach manager, Morris County Tourism Bureau; Shiela Roldan, business and operations specialist, Morris County Tourism Bureau.
Photo 2: The reenactor portraying Gen. George Washington leads the boat parade across Lake Hopatcong behind the historic Missa Lotta and the Floating Classroom.
Photo 3: Senator Anthony Bucco, Joan Bedrin Murray and Brian Murray, assistant county administrator, on the top deck of the historic Missa Lotta.
Photo 4: Sarah Neibart, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Justine Brooke Murray, Commissioner Christine Myers and Joan Bedrin Murray aboard the historic Missa Lotta.